Recent Developments in Soluble Silicate Based Binders and Coatings

While soluble silicate binders have been used effectively for decades in various end uses, recent developments and discoveries may improve and expand the use of silicates. This paper reviews the traditional use and chemistry of sodium silicate binders and also describes how surfactants, viscosity modifiers, lubricants and non-traditional setting agents can provide new characteristics and flexibility in the use of silicate binders. The discussion also includes specialty uses for potassium and lithium silicates. These developments should further broaden the range of materials that can be agglomerated using soluble silicate based binders, thus providing more formulation options.